Compliance with Metro Vancouver Permits and Licences during COVID-19

Metro Vancouver recognizes that everyone in B.C. must follow the orders and directives issued by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) to protect public health in response to COVID-19, and that this could have impacts on the day-to-day operations of activities regulated by the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) and the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVS&DD).

Air Quality Permit, Liquid Waste Permit and Solid Waste Licence requirements, as well as all other regulatory requirements under Metro Vancouver’s air quality, liquid waste and solid waste bylaws, remain in effect, and it is expected that all reasonable measures will be taken to comply. Now is a good time to carefully review your requirements and develop plans and contingencies to ensure operations are maintained in accordance with requirements for the foreseeable future. If a permit or licence holder is unable to meet permit or licence requirements due to orders, directives, or guidance by the Province of B.C. related to COVID-19, you should provide notice via RegulationEnforcement@metrovancouver.org identifying:

the compliance issues;

rationale clearly stating how the compliance issues are related to COVID-19; and

mitigative measures being taken.

Metro Vancouver will take into consideration PHO orders, directives, and guidance in addressing non-compliances.

Metro Vancouver currently has staffing resources in place to maintain all core business functions. All electronic mailboxes and normal communication channels remain open and are being monitored regularly. Permit and licence holders should contact Metro Vancouver staff through all the usual channels. In addition, Metro Vancouver’s electronic systems used for reporting and maintaining compliance with MVRD and GVS&DD Bylaws are available and fully supported. Contact information for support is available at the log-in page for each system.

At this time, Metro Vancouver will be prioritizing responses to any events or notifications that have the potential to impact human health, the environment, or relate to the maintenance of essential services. If a permit or licence holder is not able to meet the requirements of their permit or licence, they should follow the procedures defined in the permit or licence or use the compliance notification process stated above. Please note that all meetings will be handled by phone or online.